Conrad Shipyard’s Johnny Kinkle has retired in December after 51-years in shipbuilding.
Kinkle went to work for Conrad on December 2, 1969, and for five decades his reply to any request was, “No problem, babe. Whatever the customer wants.”
In what seemed like an ordinary safety meeting, not unlike the thousands of others Kinkle has attended over his 51-year career, a surprise was unveiled as the garage door was pulled open and Johnny and Dan Conrad drove in with a new boat as a retirement gift. As he presented Kinkle the keys, Johnny Conrad said that he spoke for all when he said we would miss his leadership and his dedication to getting the job done right.
“Johnny Kinkle has been my good friend and a dedicated and loyal member of our team for many, many years. He has been a mentor and inspiration to me and to many others in the Conrad family. We will miss his can-do attitude and wish him much happiness in his retirement,” he said.
Kinkle, a man of few words before a large audience, told the group that he had enjoyed every moment working for Conrad, was appreciative for the opportunities given to him, and grateful for the many warm and long-lasting friendships he has made at Conrad over the years. And he said something else: he liked the boat.